Consumer Alert: Volunteers of America says federal cuts could reduce supportive housing by 70%

Consumer Alert: Volunteers of America says federal cuts could reduce supportive housing by 70% Deanna Dewberry News10NBC Consumer Alert: Volunteers of America says federal cuts could reduce supportive housing by 70% ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Volunteers of America’s Cooper Union Apartments is one of several locations providing homes for people who don’t have one. “When we showed him his unit, he began to cry,” Sara Martone, director of housing for Volunteers of America, said. Funding cut domino effect Dramatic cuts to federal funding have put VOA’s permanent housing programs at risk, and much depends on an ongoing court battle with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We’re hopeful that we’re going to be able to keep a good chunk of those operational,” Dr. Junior Dillion, president and CEO for Volunteers of America, said. “What’s a good chunk?” asked News10NBC’s Deanna Dewberry. “I would say ideally 80 to 90 percent,” Dillion said. Dillion said the worst case scenario would be if the administration goes back to its original plan to cut supportive housing by 70%. “It was to serve folks who were homeless with chronic conditions around mental health, substance use and physical health conditions as well,” Dillion said. One man’s story Gordon Schultz, a veteran who suffers from COPD and mental health issues, said, “It was very conducive for people with mental illnesses or other issues to… to thrive.” But VOA was forced to shut down Schultz’s housing unit, leaving him and others searching for new places to live. “Due to budget cuts you’re basically left to fend for yourself,” Schultz said. For now, Schultz and others remain in legal limbo as the future of the housing programs is decided.